Summary translation

Effects of different traditional (conventional, integrated) and organic (‘organic-biological’ and bio-dynamic) farming systems on epigeic beneficial arthropods and earthworm fauna were investigated. All comparative investigations were performed in regular crop rotations on arable land. In Part A, the trials were performed within the DOC long-term trial at Therwil, Switzerland, and afterwards a paired farm approach was used to analyse on-farm situation including semi-natural habitats (Part B). Appropriate standard sampling methods were applied. Beneficial arthropods were sampled with funnel pitfall traps (live trapping in the DOC trial; on-farm trial with a killing trapping fluid) or with undisturbed soil cores using a hydraulic soil borer (overwintering study). Earthworms were analysed by handsorting with or without extraction with a mustard flour solution. In general, the term organic farming systems includes organic and bio-dynamic farming.